By Staff Reporter
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has urged eligible micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to apply for funding under the SME Fund before applications close on 24 July 2026.
The call comes as access to finance continues to constrain local businesses seeking to expand, enter new markets and create jobs.
The SME Fund was introduced under the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Namibia (ProSME) Project, a partnership between the National Planning Commission, NIPDB and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW.
The fund provides grants ranging between N$50,000 and N$100,000, alongside pitch coaching, business advisory services and access to local and international networking platforms.
Since applications opened on 10 June 2026, nearly 200 applications have been received, reflecting the growing demand for funding among entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses beyond their current capacity.
The fund gives priority to youth-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, social enterprises and cooperatives, as well as export-ready businesses operating in sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, artisanal mining, the blue economy, the circular economy, creative industries, financial services, health and wellness, ICT, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality.
NIPDB’s spokesperson Catherine Shipushu said the fund is aimed at helping viable businesses overcome the capital constraints preventing them from scaling production, entering new markets and investing in the systems required to compete locally and internationally.
“The SME Fund is designed to close that gap. It provides more than just grant capital. It is about equipping businesses with the coaching, market access and partnerships they need to compete and grow sustainably,” Shipushu said.
The organisation said the programme was also designed to support businesses with strong growth, export and investment potential.
To qualify, businesses must be registered in Namibia, have at least 51 percent Namibian ownership and control, and be registered on the NIPDB MSME database. Applicants must also be compliant with BIPA, NAMRA and the Social Security Commission.
Applicants are required to submit a business profile of no more than five pages and a pitch deck of a maximum of 12 slides.
NIPDB has encouraged eligible businesses, particularly women and youth-owned enterprises, to take advantage of the opportunity before the application deadline.
Interested MSMEs can access the application guidelines and full eligibility requirements through the SME Fund application portal or contact the SME Fund for further information.
